Riviera Travel is introduce a new river cruise ship in 2026.
The 178-passenger Riviera Resplendence will be a sister vessel to Riviera Radiance, which launches next year.
Itinerary details will be unveiled shortly, according to the operator.
The announcement came as Riviera revealed that sales for its two ships to enter service next year – Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose – are 20% up on the rest of the fleet.
Confirmation of the new ship came as the company unveiled an expanded 2026 river cruise programme featuring 428 sailings by 13 river ships, taking in destinations across Europe and further afield. The season includes 31 dedicated solo departures.
A pre-sale event is open from September 18 with the programme going on general release from September 25 – the earliest point Riviera has put a new booking year on sale.
The early launch comes in response to “overwhelming” demand with booked revenue currently 51% up for 2025 compared to the same period for 2024.
Riviera has frozen 2026 departures at 2025 prices until December 15.
A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for agents from September 18 to October 31.
In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package is on offer for all 2026 European cruises.
New for 2026 are five specially themed itineraries, an additional Mekong river cruise and a Medieval Germany solo-dedicated departure.
UK & Ireland head of trade and partnerships Vicky Billing said: “The trade has been phenomenal at selling our 2025 European river cruises and continue to do so, so what better way to launch 2026 than by rewarding them with a rich incentive.”
Product director Will Sarson added: “The 2026 programme is our biggest ever, as we keep pace with the current exceptional demand for our river cruises.
“We’re excited to offer all departures currently on offer at the same price as our 2025 sailings. And our free all-inclusive drinks package includes our widest ever range of options, giving guests the perfect excuse to raise a glass or two to mark their getaway.
“Our new themed cruises provide a great opportunity to marry an interest or hobby with tailored holidays that inform and inspire, while our new Mekong option has a range of remarkable tours, not least to the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh.
“We’re also delighted to add to our solo departures with a dedicated Medieval Germany sailing, which explores some of the country’s most fascinating towns and villages.”
Referring to the new ship, he said: “We’re thrilled to reveal this latest addition to our river cruise fleet, which further underlines our commitment to delivering a high-quality onboard experience for our guests.
“There will be a wealth of new facilities and features to enjoy, while we’ll also ensure we maintain the distinct elements of a Riviera ship that have proved so popular over the years.
“We are determined to keep pace with ever-increasing demand for our cruises, and at the same time making certain everything we do – both on and off our ships – is unmistakably Riviera.”